Say This Not That - The Diversity Movement

Some general rules of inclusive language include:

People-first language

Use people-first language (i.e. person with a disability vs. disabled or person of color vs. colored) unless the person indicates another preference.

gender inclusive pronouns

Never assume a person’s gender identity based on their name or their appearance – if you don’t know, use gender inclusive pronouns or ask for their pronouns

everyone vs. ladies & gentlemen

Use gender inclusive language when speaking in generalities or about groups of people that you do not know the individual pronouns of (i.e. everyone vs. ladies and gentlemen and they/them/theirs vs. he/him/his and she/her/hers).

Microlearning

Learn more about inclusive language with our series of short microvideos.

Inclusive Language & Technology with Kurt Merriweather, Head of Inclusive Innovation & Partnerships, The Diversity Movement

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10 Inclusive Language Blunders and How to Correct Them, with Kaela Kovach-Galton, Project Strategist, The Diversity Movement

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The Importance of Inclusive Language with Jackie Ferguson, Director of Programming, The Diversity Movement

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As of May 2022, this paper has been removed and replaced by our comprehensive manual on the topic, The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication and Transformational Leadership.

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